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India for boosting intra-BRICS trade through stronger value chains
PTI | May 16, 2026 11:38 PM CST

Synopsis

Intra-BRICS trade has surged significantly, reaching USD 1.17 trillion. However, this represents only about 5 percent of global trade. This highlights substantial untapped potential for deeper integration and stronger value chains among member nations. Discussions focused on achieving more balanced trade and exploring new service sector opportunities. India's exports to BRICS countries are projected to grow.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
New Delhi: The intra-BRICS trade has increased multiple times over the last few years but it accounts for only around 5 per cent of the global trade, reflecting huge untapped potential for deeper integration and stronger value-chain linkages, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said.

BRICS is a grouping of 11 developing countries - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

It acts as a platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance.


Also Read:India, UK working on British steel issue to operationalise trade pact: Commerce Secy

India has assumed the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time, after 2012, 2016 and 2021.

Addressing the 2nd Meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Trade and Economic Issues, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on May 14-15, Agrawal said intra-BRICS merchandise trade has risen 13-fold, from USD 84 billion in 2003 to USD 1.17 trillion in 2024.

However, he said, this "trade still accounts for only around 5 per cent of global trade, indicating significant untapped potential for deeper trade integration, stronger value-chain linkages and enhanced economic cooperation".

Issues such as promoting more balanced trade, and opening new opportunities in the services sector were also discussed in the meeting.

Also Read: US team likely to visit India next month for trade talks

India's exports to BRICS member countries were estimated at USD 82 billion in merchandise goods in 2025-26 and USD 31.3 billion in services calender year 2024.


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